What documents must a Buns On Fire franchisee execute at the completion of the training program?
Buns_On_Fire Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
EXHIBIT "I" TRAINING COMPLETION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
The undersigned is a franchisee of SMYA Ventures LLC, an Illinois limited liability company ("Buns on Fire" or "Franchisor"), owner or operator of or an investor in a Buns on Fire franchise, or a manager of a Buns on Fire Restaurant operated by a Buns on Fire franchisee who is commencing training. As part of such training, the undersigned may visit, inspect, train, and work in one or more of the Buns on Fire Restaurants owned or operated by Franchisor, its affiliates, or by one or more Buns on Fire franchisees. As an inducement to cause the owner of such Buns on Fire Restaurant to permit the undersigned to visit, inspect, train and work in such restaurant, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY RELEASES, HOLDS HARMLESS, AND AGREES TO DEFEND & INDEMNIFY SMYA VENTURES LLC, THE OWNER(S) OF SUCH RESTAURANT(S), AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS (COLLECTIVELY, THE "RELEASED & INDEMNIFIED PARTIES"), FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, LOSS, INJURY, DAMAGE, COST AND EXPENSE SUFFERED OR INCURRED BY THE UNDERSIGNED AS A RESULT OF ANY SUCH VISIT, INSPECTION, TRAINING, OR WORK. IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND INDEMNITY IS INTENDED TO BE AS BROAD AND COMPREHENSIVE AS PERMITTED BY LAW, AND INCLUDES LIABILITY, COST, DAMAGE, INJURY, COST, AND EXPENSE SUFFERED AS A RESULT OR PARTLY AS A RESULT OF ANY NEGLIGENCE, ERROR OR OMISSION BY THE RELEASED & INDEMNIFIED PARTIES. The undersigned further represents that he has independently obtained or is covered by adequate insurance to cover the risk of loss or injury. Some states do not allow the limitations on liability set forth above. Accordingly, not all of the limitations set forth in this section may apply to undersigned.
The following language applies to franchises to be located in Maryland or to be granted to Maryland residents: The general release included in this consent and release shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–200)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Buns On Fire Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees or their managers commencing training may be required to sign a Training Completion Agreement and Release (Exhibit I). This agreement serves as an inducement for the owners of Buns On Fire restaurants to allow the franchisee or their managers to visit, inspect, train, and work in their restaurants.
By signing this release, the franchisee agrees to release, hold harmless, defend, and indemnify SMYA Ventures LLC (Buns On Fire), the restaurant owners, and their respective stakeholders from any liability, loss, injury, damage, cost, and expense incurred during the visit, inspection, training, or work. This includes protection against any negligence, error, or omission by the released parties. The franchisee also confirms that they have adequate insurance coverage for potential losses or injuries.
It's important to note that the breadth of this release and indemnity is intended to be as comprehensive as legally permissible, but some states may not allow such extensive limitations on liability. For franchises located in Maryland or granted to Maryland residents, the general release does not apply to liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Prospective franchisees should carefully review Exhibit I and understand its implications, especially concerning liability and indemnification, before signing.